We have a current client who got a flat tire on one of our jobs. It turns out that it was not related to us, but since we replaced the existing roof in conjunction with the addition we’re adding on to the house, I think it’s a wake up call for us.
We have always used a roofing contractor who doesn’t a pretty decent job at cleaning up, but I think it would be worthwhile to give a once over after he’s complete with his clean up job. A few quick swipes with a magnet could save us up to probably $150. Even if we’re not doing work on the roof, I think a magnet would be a great investment for cleaning up behind framing, siding, or other tasks that are likely to produce errant nails.Years ago, I worked for a contractor who had me purchase a 30″ wheeled magnet from ABC, IIRC the price was about $115. The magnet was very strong, but it had no release mechanism so cleaning the ferrous bits off of the magnet was a time consuming and potentially painful process. Our local ABC has a couple similar magnets with releases for between $100-$150. I was all set to purchase one of those when I browsed what Amazon had.24″ 30″ 36″Are any of these worth spending a few bucks to try out? I know we can get a good magnet for a little more than a C-note, but this is not a tool that will get used daily, or even weekly so I’m willing to save a few bucks on a tool that will still work decently. I guess I’m saying I could be happy with a Ryobi instead of a Makita.Anyone with thoughts on this purchase?
Replies
I've got a couple of those AJC's and the nail release works pretty well, but it doesn't pick up as well as another one that I have. The other one has the magnet on a pivot which lets it get closer to the ground and bounce over any bumps it hits. But, you have to pick the nails off of it. I got it at ABC as well.
http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss
I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds
Grant,What do you think about the Amazon magnets?
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Doesn't look much different from the AJC - I'd probably get the 24" model to fit in tighter spaces. The price is certainly right.http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss
I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds
The amazon magnets are cheezy...
don't pic up copper nails....I don't feel safe in this world no more I don't want to die in a nuclear war I want to sail away to a distant shore and make like an ape man
but it doesn't pick up as well as another one that I have.>>
Trying to get up copper nails are we? : )
"As I was walkin' - I saw a sign thereAnd that sign said - no tress passin'But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!Now that side was made for you and me!" Woody Guthrie 1956
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
great minds brother!!!I don't feel safe in this world no more I don't want to die in a nuclear war I want to sail away to a distant shore and make like an ape man
I have a copper magnet, but I painted it with invisible paint and I can't remember where I put it.http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss
I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds
It is the box with the post holes.I don't feel safe in this world no more I don't want to die in a nuclear war I want to sail away to a distant shore and make like an ape man
My aluminum magnet is stuck to my copper magnet. How do I get them apart?
Throw water on them............no wait, that's dogs.http://logancustomcopper.com
http://grantlogan.net/
It's like the whole world's walking pretty and you can't find no room to move. - the Boss
I married my cousin in Arkansas - I married two more when I got to Utah. - the Gourds
Wrap a thin piece of cloth over the magent first, like a pillow case on a pillow. Then strip off the cloth after sweeping and the nails will release.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Jon,
Have a 30" wheel model and a 24" plain magnet with a handle. I much prefer the wheeless. Picks up much better in taller grass and gets in the bushes. Nails come off easy with a gloved hand.
KK
If it's not a regular tool you'll use don't buy it. Rent it. 9 times out 10 my building supplier won't even charge me for the rental. It's usually a thank you for the business. It would probably run you $20.00 per job. Well worth it and you don't have to store the thing. As far as a regular task on your jobs. Good thinking. Getting a nail in a customers tire is nothing. What do you suppose will happen if a customers 3yr old gets dirty old roofing nail or rusty framing nail in the foot? I don't even want to think about the hell storm that would come from that.
Dave
I have a 30" model that was bought a few years back from the local roofing supply company and it comes in handy on all kinds of jobs. It has a release for the magnet but I hardly ever use it, I actually prefer to just swipe my hand along the magnet and gather the nails off of it that way. I think that it cost about $125.00 and in my opinion was worth it, it gets a lot of use on our remodeling jobs where we are carrying stuff out to dumpsters ect.
I like the 20 buck one at Lowes it has an adjustable length handle and a tilting head it is about 12" wide. That makes it convienant around shrubbery and eisier on rough terrain and in new construction you can reach between stud bays.Mine stays stuck on my ladder rack when not in use.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Jon, the AJC magnet is the standard item here-----as it is a local company and owned by a branch of the same family that owns one of the bigger local roofing suppliers here.
virtually every roofing contractor or sub that you would want to deal with----own that 36" magnet( though for the price how can you go wrong with the amazon magnet!!!!?)
one word of warning---the magnets get most----but not all.---if they work in the grass--they are set too high to pull nails out of cracks in the driveway----if they work great on the driveway---they drag in the grass( some are adjustable)
Personally--I do NOT own the 36" magnet---as all my roofing subs own them and also my clean-up sub. I own a smaller version---hand held AJC model--about 12" wide which rides in one of my side mount truck tool boxes. It's better--but slower.
once a job is done---and any subs have run THEIR magnets----and the subs have been paid off and sent on their way----I like to personally sweep and magnet the driveway myself---and rake and magnet the bushes etc.--- If humanely possible I like the homeowner to SEE me doing this.
after all--- they saw me arrive in the morning BEFORE anyone else( often a half hour before) and they see me there AFTER everyone else---and they see me personally sweeping their driveway--------get the idea??/ ,LOL
Best wishes, stephen
I like doing the same thing.
Alot of my customers own expensive sports cars and the last thing I want is to hear about a nail in a 300$ tire.
It also makes you look around to see if any tools were left or landscape damage etc.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Thanks to all for your help.I think I will order the 24" magnet since it's not too expensive and I will appreciate it's size when not in use.I'm frequently amazed how far a good GC has to go over and above actually doing the work to really be at the top of their game. Some take the paper contractor route, but when I think of all the little things that our subs miss (and these are good subs, they just don't have my perspective as a GC) I wonder how they do it and keep a good name.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA